§ 57. Mr. Parkerasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the hardship often inflicted on small property owners by the law enabling the Tithe Redemption Commission to demand the full annuity payment due in respect of an area numbered on the tithe map from any one of the owners of parts of that area; when the apportionment of lands subject to this charge will be completed, particularly in the case of urban districts; and whether meanwhile he will introduce legislation to oblige the Commission to supply at the time of making a demand for the full annuity due in respect of any area from one owner all available information as to the names and addresses of other owners liable to pay the annuity, and the proportion due from each?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThe general effect of the law referred to by the hon. Member is to continue the practice which hitherto obtained in connection with the collection of tithe rentcharge. The Tithe Redemption Commission are fully aware of the urgency of apportioning annuities in the case of divided ownership, and they have at the present time under consideration detailed arrangements for the work involved. I understand it is their intention in any event to give priority to the most urgent cases, but I cannot say when the work will be completed. In view of the provisions of Section 13 (7) of the Tithe Act of last year, I am unable to contemplate legislation of the kind suggested.